Blog
Let’s Get Growing: Fun Children’s Garden Ideas and Designs!
Hello, budding gardeners and playful planters! 🌱 Are you ready to dive into a world of greenery and giggles? Let’s jump into our list of children’s garden ideas and designs that will make your little ones excited to get their hands dirty and explore the magic of gardening. From whimsical garden desi...
Turmeric Scrambled Eggs Recipe
Give your scrambled eggs a healthy and flavorful twist with the addition of turmeric. Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric adds a vibrant color and a subtle, earthy flavor to this classic breakfast dish. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a nutritious start to your day.
Ingre...
Community Gardens in New Zealand
North Island
Northland
Whangarei Community Gardens
Location: 42 Second Avenue, Whangarei
Contact: whangareicommunitygardens@gmail.com
Website: whangareicommunitygardens.org.nz
Details: Offers workshops, volunteering opportunities, and fresh produce sharing.
Kerikeri Community Garden
Lo...
What Are the Best Companion Plants for Feijoas in New Zealand?
Feijoas, also known as pineapple guavas, are beloved in New Zealand gardens for their delicious fruit and attractive appearance. To maximize the health and productivity of your feijoa plants, consider companion planting. This guide explores the best companion plants for feijoas in New Zealand, helpi...
Blueberry Growing Guide for New Zealand: Sweet Berries, Happy Plants! 🌿🍇
5 Steps to Blueberry Success Plant a combination of blueberry varieties of the same type to ensure good cross pollination. Choose a sheltered, well drained position in full sun and prepare your soil with organic matter like compost or sheep pellets. Add a layer of strawberry mix to plant into. Blueberries can be planted year-round in New Zealand. Feed blueberries in spring and summer with citrus food, and prune dead or diseased wood and branches in winter. Water to keep moist throughout the growing season. Follow our full guide below to a bumper crop of homegrown blueberries.
Feijoa Bambina: Can This Little Fruit Handle the Heat?
Feijoa Bambina is a resilient, drought-tolerant plant that can thrive even in challenging conditions. Its deep root system, combined with appropriate soil and water management, makes it an excellent choice for gardens aiming to conserve water while still enjoying the beauty and bounty of a productive fruiting plant. Whether you’re in a Mediterranean climate or facing periodic droughts, Feijoa Bambina can be a valuable addition to your garden, offering both aesthetic appeal and delicious rewards.
Papamoa shore reserve – the Palms (PAP1)
This plant list has been compiled by the stated observer(s) and been provided to NZPCN for public use in good faith. NZPCN cannot guarantee that data contained in these lists are up to date or accurate. Most species lists are not corroborated with herbarium specimens. Note, species lists are not typ...
Going troppo with bananas
Banana Dreams: Cultivating Tropical Beauty in Winter
You might be wondering why I have bananas on my mind in the midst of winter. Well, after five days of relentless rain, I’m yearning for something to lift my spirits and make me feel a bit more tropical. 🌴
Bananas have always fascinated me, alt...
The Ultimate Guide to Fun and Creative Garden Learning Tools
Hello, garden enthusiasts and budding botanists! 🌿 Are you ready to take your gardening knowledge to the next level with some exciting and creative learning tools? Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, there are plenty of digital and practical tools to make your gardening journey ...
Growing White Sapote: A Comprehensive Guide
Growing white sapotes can be a rewarding experience, providing you with delicious fruits and adding a tropical touch to your garden or landscape. By following the guidelines for planting, care, and maintenance outlined in this guide, you can successfully cultivate healthy white sapote trees and enjoy their flavorful fruits for years to come.
What can I do about mosquitoes in my glasshouse?
Mosquitoes and fungus gnats can be a persistent nuisance in glasshouses, disrupting your gardening efforts and creating an unpleasant environment. Fortunately, there are several effective strategies to manage and eliminate these pests. This guide will provide practical tips to control mosquitoes and...
How can I control white fly in my flower garden?
Whiteflies can be a persistent and damaging pest in flower gardens, but with the right strategies, you can keep them under control. This guide will provide you with practical tips to manage and eliminate whiteflies from your flower garden, ensuring healthy and beautiful plants.
Identifying Whitefly...
Kale Growing Guide for New Zealand: Leafy Greens for Every Season! 🌿🥬
Bursting with goodness, these hardy no fuss vegetables are brilliant crops to plant in the winter garden. Kale is a superfood in every sense of the word. This fantastic leafy green can be used both fresh and cooked. It is a quick growing crop for the cooler months, and it looks highly attractive in the garden too.
Do I need to cut the leaves on my banana tree before planting?
Question. Do I need to cut the leaves on my banana tree before planting to grow healthy roots?
Answer. Hey there, banana enthusiasts! 🌿 If you’re gearing up to plant a banana tree, you might be wondering whether you need to cut the leaves before getting it in the ground. The short answer? It depe...
Here’s a list of garden clubs and associations across New Zealand, organized by region:
Here's a comprehensive list of garden clubs and associations across New Zealand, organized by region:
North Island
Northland
Whangarei Garden Club
- Contact: whangareigardenclub@gmail.com
Kerikeri Garden Club
- Contact: info@kerikerigardenclub.org.nz
Auckland
Auckland Horticultural Council
...
Experience the Bay of Plenty, NZ Like a Local
Explore the Beaches
Mount Maunganui (The Mount): A local favorite for its stunning beach and hiking trails. Climb to the summit for panoramic views.
Papamoa Beach: Quieter than The Mount, great for a relaxing day by the sea.
Visit Local Markets
Tauranga Farmers Market: Held every Saturday morn...
The Persistent Pest: Tackling Twin Cress – Lepidium didymum in New Zealand
Hello, green thumbs and eco-warriors! 🌿 Today, we’re shedding light on a small but mighty invader that’s been creeping its way across New Zealand’s gardens and farmlands: Twin Cress, or Lepidium didymum. This tiny troublemaker may be easy to overlook, but its impact on our ecosystems is significant....
How to Grow Coconuts: A Comprehensive Guide
Growing coconuts can be a rewarding endeavor, providing you with delicious fruit and a touch of the tropics. By choosing the right variety, ensuring ideal growing conditions, and providing consistent care, you can enjoy the many benefits of coconut trees. Happy gardening!
Gladiolus Growing Guide for New Zealand: Spectacular Blooms in Your Garden! 🌸🌿
Tall, elegant and definitely stylish, Gladiolus (Gladys) are ideal floral centrepieces in both the garden and the vase. Once thought of as old-fashioned, these regal bulbs are finding new homes in gardens all over New Zealand. Grown for their amazing flowers, Gladys are perfect for picking. Little else has the form and structure that these plants do. Gladys come in a huge number of varieties and colours featuring most shades of the rainbow.
Mango Rice Pudding
Indulge in the creamy and tropical flavors of mango rice pudding. This delightful dessert combines the rich texture of rice pudding with the sweet and tangy taste of fresh mango. It’s an easy-to-make treat that can be enjoyed warm or chilled, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 cup Arborio...
Which plants are good companions for strawberries?
Strawberries are a favorite in many New Zealand gardens, prized for their delicious fruit and attractive appearance. Companion planting can enhance the growth and yield of strawberries, while also helping to deter pests and improve soil health. This guide explores the best companion plants for straw...
The Positive Impact of Growing Indoor House Plants
Indoor house plants offer a wealth of benefits that extend far beyond their aesthetic appeal. They improve air quality, enhance mental and emotional well-being, support physical health, and contribute to sustainable living. As we navigate the demands of modern life, the presence of indoor plants provides a tangible connection to nature, offering comfort, tranquility, and a breath of fresh air.
What herbs can I grow to deter flies?
Question. What herbs can I grow to keep flies away?
Answer. Flies can be a nuisance, especially during the warmer months. Growing certain herbs can help deter these pesky insects while adding beauty and fragrance to your garden. Here’s a list of herbs that are known for their fly-repelling proper...
December – Flower Gardener’s Diary for New New Zealand
December is the height of summer in New Zealand, and your flower garden will be bursting with color and activity. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you manage your flower garden during this vibrant month.
Planting
Summer Annuals: Continue planting summer annuals such as marigolds, zinni...
What can I plant under my fruit trees?
Planting under fruit trees can enhance the health and productivity of your orchard while creating a more diverse and resilient garden ecosystem. This guide explores the best plants to grow under fruit trees in New Zealand, helping you maximize the benefits of companion planting.
The Benefits of Und...
Transforming Your Kiwi Backyard: Landscaping Trends in New Zealand
Ready to give your Kiwi backyard a fresh, modern makeover? New Zealand is embracing some fantastic landscaping trends that blend style, sustainability, and functionality. Whether you're looking to create a peaceful retreat or an entertainment hotspot, these ideas will help you transform your outdoor...
What can I grow near my tomatoes?
Tomatoes are a staple in many New Zealand gardens, and companion planting can enhance their growth, yield, and health. This guide explores the best plants to grow near your tomatoes, helping you create a thriving and productive garden.
The Benefits of Companion Planting
Companion planting involves...
November – Flower Gardener’s Diary for New Zealand
November is a busy and exciting month for flower gardeners in New Zealand. With the onset of warmer weather, it's the perfect time to get your garden ready for summer. This diary will guide you through essential tasks and tips to ensure your flower garden thrives this season.
Early November
1. Soi...
Exploring the Fascinating World of Flowering Plants in the Araceae Family
Introduction
The Araceae family, commonly known as the arum or aroid family, encompasses some of the most intriguing and diverse flowering plants. From the exotic Anthurium to the iconic Peace Lily, the Araceae family holds a unique place in both botany and horticulture. This extensive family inc...
Frangipani, the Fragrance of Memories
Nestled among the vibrant tapestry of tropical blooms, the frangipani stands out as a timeless emblem of beauty and tranquility. With its delicate petals and intoxicating fragrance, this exquisite flower has captivated hearts and minds across cultures and generations. Join me on a journey as we expl...
Health Benefits of Inga edulis (Ice Cream Bean)
Inga edulis, with its high content of beneficial phytochemicals and its positive environmental impact, offers several health benefits. Its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds support general health, and its nutritional value makes it a good addition to the diet. The plant's role in improving soil quality also makes it a valuable species for sustainable agriculture.
Here’s an in-depth look at banana propagation and the various banana varieties.
Bananas are one of the most popular fruits worldwide, and their cultivation is a fascinating topic. Here’s an in-depth look at banana propagation and the various banana varieties.
### Banana Propagation
Bananas can be propagated through several methods, with the most common being vegetative pr...
Lawn Care Essentials: Maintaining a Lush Green Lawn in New Zealand
Welcome to the ultimate guide for achieving a lush, green lawn in New Zealand! Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a lawn care novice, we've got you covered with fun and practical tips to keep your grass looking fabulous all year round. Let's dive into the essentials of lawn care!
1. Mowing Magic...
How do I move worms in a worm farm?
Question. Hi, I have had a worm farm for about 11 months. Is it safe to transfer the compost and worms to my garden? I understood these tiger worms are not the same as wild worms? There is no way of separating the worms from the composted material. Is it safe to introduce them into my garden?
Ans...
How to Plant and Grow Pomegranates: A Step-by-Step Guide
Planting and growing pomegranates can be a rewarding experience, whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a novice. By providing the right conditions and care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of this delicious and nutritious fruit. Follow these guidelines to cultivate healthy pomegranate trees that will thrive for years to come.
Whanganui’s Banana Bonanza: Going Tropical in Style!
Whanganui Goes Bananas: From Backyard Wonders to Fruity Feasts!
Back in 2014, Steve Clotworthy’s 10-year-old banana tree in Aramoho made headlines when it fruited for the very first time. Today, bananas popping up in Whanganui backyards are hardly news. 🌴
Gareth Carter of Springvale Nurseries ex...
Dock the Invader: The Trouble with Rumex in New Zealand
Hey there, nature enthusiasts and garden guardians! 🌿 Have you ever come across those pesky plants with broad, paddle-like leaves in your backyard or paddock? Meet Dock – specifically, Rumex obtusifolius (Broad-leaved Dock), Rumex pulcher (Fiddle Dock), and Rumex conglomeratus (Clustered Dock). Thes...
Dive into Paradise with These Delicious Tropical Fruit Salad Recipes 🍍🍉🥭
Tropical fruit salads are the epitome of vibrant, refreshing, and healthful eating. They bring together the luscious flavors and stunning colors of the tropics, offering a taste of paradise in every bite. Whether you're looking to add a burst of freshness to your breakfast, a delightful side dish fo...
How and when do I refresh my pot plants?
Question. Hi, we have been using garden pots for some years now and the soil in some of the pots with shrubs in them is very compacted. Do I try to refresh the pots and put in new potting mix, or is there another way?
Answer. Over time, soil in garden pots can become compacted, leading to poor d...
August – Flower Gardener’s Diary for New Zealand
August marks the transition from winter to spring in New Zealand, making it an exciting time for flower gardeners. With the promise of warmer weather and longer days, there are plenty of tasks to prepare your garden for a vibrant spring bloom. This diary will guide you through essential tasks and ti...
